Montego Bay’s youth are well positioned to lead the charge in agri-tech, logistics, and export-oriented farming, says Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon. “With murders down by 60 per cent, lowest in over 30 years, and with Montego Bay no longer defined by its past struggles, [the city’s] emerging potential opens...

The inaugural Jamaica Agri-Business Investment Forum (JAIF) is set to spotlight investment opportunities across Jamaica’s agricultural sector, marked by the unveiling of the official ‘Deal Book for Agriculture’. The three-day forum, running from September 17 to 19 under the theme ‘Sustainable Agri-Business: Global Reach, Local Impact’, has drawn more than 500 local and international participants, including investors, government agencies, financial...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sectoral projects, following his reappointment to the portfolio. Speaking with JIS News following the swearing-in ceremony for 18 Ministers of Government at King’s House on Wednesday (September 17), Mr. Green described his reappointment as an opportunity to advance several key initiatives to completion. He also...

The Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) Builder National Agribusiness Pitch Competition will return for a second year, following the resounding success of its inaugural staging. Jamaica 4-H Clubs Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Amanda McKenzie, noted that participants from the 2024/25 cohort were empowered to assess and strengthen their agricultural enterprises through targeted training in business model development, strategic...

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) is urging farmers to take a more proactive approach to planning for their water demand by assessing their agricultural needs. With instances of drought and intermittent rainfall during some seasons being a reality, farmers are being encouraged to store water to supply their crops. Deputy Managing Director at the WRA, Geoffrey Marshall, said being aware...

Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager for the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Amanda McKenzie, has indicated that close to 300 applications have been received, so far, for the 2025/2026 Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) Builder. She said that this figure is expected to be exceeded, as the deadline for applications is set for Friday (September 12) at midday. During an interview...

A total of $6 million will be disbursed under the Rio Tinto Alcan Legacy Fund scholarship and bursary programme to support education-related expenses for a new cohort of agricultural students, soon to be announced for the 2025/26 academic year. This was disclosed by Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Amanda McKenzie. “For this year, we had 217 applications....